Nothing defines the bizarre nature of Boston real estate better than the North End’s Skinny House. Today, we’re squeezing in some history about this tinylocal landmark.
What’s the skinny?
The so-called “Spite House” is only 10 feet wide + 30 feet long, four stories high, and 1,165 sqft of space in total. You can find it at 44 Hull St., just across the street from Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and a quick walk from The Freedom Trail.
Since its creation, the Skinny House has had a mix of buyers + tenants. | Photo by Atlantic Visuals
This North End landmark was built in the 1800s (records show some conflicting information on the exact year), supposedly due to a sibling rivalry.
As local lore has it, a man had returned home from fighting in the Civil War to find that his brother built a massive house on a shared piece of land from their father.
So, he took matters into his own hands and built this minuscule home wedged between two properties to get back at his brother. The house was originally blocked off from sunlight and views of the harbor — aka the biggest pros of having a home in the area.
These pictures have us thinking this house isn’t too skinny after all. | Photo by Atlantic Visuals
What does it look like inside?
Once guests have entered through the side door — that’s right, there is no front door to the property — they’ll find a surprisingly spacioustwo-bedroom, one-bathroom property.
The updated design is a mix of the old world charm (think: exposed brick and antique hardwood floors) and modern qualities like stainless steel appliances and a Nest thermostat.
What’s the story now?
The house was most recently sold in September 2021 for just over the $1.2 million asking price ($1.25 million).
While the local legend was quickly snatched up, there are still housing options nearby. Here’s a property for sale just steps away from the historic home.
2BR/1BA | $939,000 | This 1,050 sqft North End home just hit the market, complete with an unobstructed view of the Boston Harbor. Take that, Spite House builder. There is also a breakfast bar, common laundry + an elevator in the building.
Ready to become neighbors with a piece of Boston history? Click the link below for more details + photos of the Hull St. property.
Rooftop Yoga |Thurs., June 23 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Energize, 265 Massachusetts Ave. | $29+ | Enjoy an evening of relaxing yoga with a view, followed by salads + smoothies on the rooftop.
Be A Man Live | Thurs., June 23 | 7 p.m. | Chevalier Theater, 30 Forest St., Medford | $42+ | Join the TikTok comedian + Boston local for a night of laughter at the Chevalier Theater.
Friday
Walk Off the Earth | Fri., June 24 | 7 p.m. | Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave. | $50+ | The Canadian indie-pop band brings their summer 2022 tour to Boston. 🎤
Saturday
Drag Bingo & Pride Celebration | Sat., June 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr. | Free | Bingo begins at 7 p.m. with special guest performances in between games. 🏳️🌈
Breathe Life Together Block Party | Sat., June 25 | 2-8 p.m. | Rose Kennedy Greenway, Atlantic Ave. | Free | Celebrate the new Greenway Wall mural with live music, food trucks + activities.
Sunday
Night Shift Brewing Summer Bash | Sun., June 26 | 12-5 p.m. | Night Shift Brewery, 87 Santilli Hwy, Everett | Price of purchase | It’s going to be a bad day to be a beer at this party to celebrate 10 years of brews.
OysterFest | Sun., June 26 | 12-4 p.m. | Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St. | $25+ | Celebrate the bounty of New England oysters from Red’s Best local purveyors + enjoy sips from The Pine Bar. 🦪
Monday
Ty Segall | Mon., June 27 | 7 p.m. | Royale Boston, 279 Tremont St. | $28 | See the American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and record producer.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Mayor Wu announced the results of the City’s 42nd annual homeless census this week. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Boston on the night of the census (Feb. 23) decreased by 2.4%. Check out ways to help support the local homeless populationhere. (Boston Globe)
Closing
Gourmet Dumpling House in Chinatown is closing its doors on Thurs., June 30 according to a post on Google. The restaurant at 52 Beach St. has been in business for 15 years. (NBC 10)
Travel
The MBTAhas temporarily pulled all of its new Orange + Red Line cars out of service after a battery failure Monday morning. Legislative leaders announced they will hold an oversight hearing in the coming weeks and federal transit officials are conducting a safety review of the agency. 🚊 (WBUR)
Arts
A new mural honoring the life and legacy of Rita Hester is coming to Allston. “Rita’s Spotlight” at 506 Cambridge St. will be created by local artist Rixy as part of the City’s Transformative Public Art Program. Check out the artist talk on Wed., June 29 to learn more about the design.
Open
Blue Ribbon Sushiopens today at 500 Commonwealth Ave. in Kenmore Square. Visit the New York-based restaurant (at the former home of Island Creek Oyster Bar) for a wide range of sushi and sashimi + cocktails like a lychee martini or sake-tini. 🍣 (Eater Boston).
Sports
Rob Gronkowski has announced his retirement (again), saying he won’t be joining Tom Brady for a third season in Tampa Bay. The former Patriots tight end said he’ll focus on relaxing instead — we’ll join Big Papi in wishing him well. 🏈 (7 News)
Biz
Bain & Co.has agreed to lease eight floors at 350 Boylston St. in Back Bay. The Boston-based consulting firm’s site would replace the existing Art Deco property on the corner of Boylston and Arlington streets with an office-and-retail space featuring a glass exterior. (Boston Business Journal)
Eat
Have any vintage MBTA tokens lying around? Now, you can use them to purchase grain bowls at two upcomingLife Alive Cafes. Stop by the Davis and Kendall Square locations when those open this summer + follow Life Alive on Instagram for more opening updates. (Business Wire)
Plan Ahead
ZUMIX will host its annual Walk for Music on Sun., July 10 from 3-6 p.m as part of Eastie Week. The walk through East Boston’s parks supports the organizations’ music and youth empowerment programs and kicks off with a summer concert series at Piers Park. Donate or register to walk here.
A pet message from our sponsor
“Whiskey the Rottweiler was given less than 24 hours to live, and the referring veterinarian was sure he was going to die. But I made one simple change that saved Whiskey’s life, and kept him healthy for years and years.” *
Content marked with a * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Pasta Beach is returning this weekend after three long years, complete with a look as fresh as the food. The waterfront Italian eatery will be open Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 4:30 p.m.
Make plans to dine at 30 Rowes Wharf to enjoy the new tropical design + a classic dish like the Bolognese tagliatelle.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick:I’m a sucker for a good home redesign, so naturally I loved this Architectural Digest piece on a revamped Jamaica Plain kitchen. The new minty green look is reminding me of Dakota Johnson’s green kitchen — aka my dream space.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
